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“Our
experience and expertise in the Hydroponics market
is unrivalled in Europe…”
Let’s talk about Commercial Hydroponics…
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With many years of experience HydroGarden is the UK leader
in hydroponics. We have assisted many growers develop
their businesses with our access to experts and consultants
in a wide range of topics including plant biochemistry,
analytical chemistry, commercial growers with crop specific
knowledge, commercial installation experience and much
more. Several directors within HydroGarden have owned
and operated their own commercial hydroponic operations.
Hydroponics is also now recognised as an important research
tool. It has particular advantages where various controls
are needed such as the pharmaceutical industry and other
areas of research where a clean root system is required
for instance.
In Australia hydroponics production has risen from 155
hectares in 1990 to 500 hectares in 1996. This growth
continues.
In progressive, forward thinking countries throughout
the world the commercial hydroponics industry has increased
4-5 fold during the last 10 years. It is currently estimated
that the area under hydroponic cultivation is between
20,000 and 25,000 hectares with a farm gate value of US$6-8
billion.
HydroGarden believes that the future lies in locally grown
and sold produce, limiting the ‘road miles’
applied to today’s food supplies. Whilst export
opportunities will occur, the main development will be
that smaller niche, locally based growers will sell to
supermarkets, farmers markets and wholesale operations
as well as the consumer direct. This method of growing
our food is a more sustainable model than those currently
practised. Today’s consumer has become increasingly
aware of health and environmental issues, even water consumption
and availability…these are all drivers for the further
development of hydroponic growing techniques.
As a company HydroGarden can assist you to identify the
most suitable system for your crop, location, skills and
needs. We understand that different plants require different
systems in different locations and as such can offer those
systems how and when you need them…
There are 5 forces threatening long term crop and food
production in open field situations:
1
Increasing ultraviolet radiation
2
Decreasing fresh water supplies and water quality
3 Increasing top soil
erosion and soil degradation
4
Increasing resistance of insect pests and plant diseases
to traditional chemical controls
5
A convergence of natural cycles leading to extreme weather
conditions
Further, open field production is hindered because the
grower has no control over the growing environment. The
result is that the grower cannot predict yields and is
unable to budget effectively. The field grower cannot
always ensure adequate aeration of the rootzone during
periods of extended rainfall.
The results might be any of the following:
Anaerobic conditions will benefit the proliferation of
fungus (Phytophthora sp.) and nematodes that will attack
the roots and eventually kill the plant.
Roots need oxygen to respire and therefore are not productive
when the soil is saturated for long periods.
Beneficial soil borne micro-organisms are eliminated,
therefore exposing the roots to fungal and bacterial attack.
Rain and excessive irrigation on the soil will leach essential
nutrients from the root profile. Nitrates can be washed
through the soil profile and pollute streams, reservoirs
and the sea.
Hydroponic nutrient solutions can be tailored to the plant
requirements whereas in the field there is a tendency
to over or under-fertilise. Nutrients in the soil are
often fixed as insoluble compounds that are not available
to plants and therefore a loss to the grower.
SOIL GROWN
Small plant - big
root |
HYDROPONICALLY GROWN
Big plant - small root |
Irrigation water in field grown operations cannot be effectively
recycled. Hydroponics can reduce irrigation water usage
by 70% to 90% by recycling the run-off water. As water
becomes scarce and more important as a resource, the use
of hydroponics and other water saving technologies will
increase.
Fungal disease can be significantly reduced through controlled
humidity. Hydroponic systems will reduce the amount of
exposed moisture in the growing environment. Hydroponics
will effectively prevent wetting the leaf surfaces which,
in normal agriculture, provides the fungal spores with
the perfect medium to proliferate.
All labour inputs associated with soil management, such
as digging and weeding are substantially reduced with
hydroponics.
The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in protected
environments is ideally suited to hydroponic growing techniques,
especially when carried out in a protected environment
such as a glasshouse or plastic/polythene tunnels. The
use of IPM can virtually eliminate the need to use toxic
and expensive chemical insecticides.
Taking all the above into account, it is easy to see why
protected cropping in general and hydroponics especially
is becoming increasingly important.
A hydroponically grown greenhouse plant:
Can be protected from increasing and damaging UV radiation
Offers the possibility of safe biological control of insect
pests and diseases
Uses water that is reclaimed and reused
Allows nutrients to be reclaimed, re-balanced and re-used
Can be protected from unpredictable weather patterns
Has a good root system that is at reduced risk from contaminants
and diseases
Makes very efficient use of labour, which is increasingly
expensive in western economies
Can be grown to take full advantage of their genetic potential
and produce outstanding crops by using optimum nutrient
formulations
Can be producing at times when market prices are highest
Combine these factors with increasing public concern over
food safety, pesticide residues and fungicide use; it
is easy to see that the future of crop production favours
hydroponic and greenhouse production. Especially when
premium prices can be obtained and the demand is sustainable.
Lettuce, strawberries and cut flowers are well known commercial
hydroponic crops in Australia, and have been for the past
decade and more. Tomatoes, pepper, cucumbers and cut flowers
form the bulk of Dutch hydroponic crops. A number of UK
growers have successful cucumber and tomato operations
and many herb growers are moving into this form of cultivation.
Nowadays plants for essential oils, rare herbs, medicinal
plants and Chinese vegetables such as pak choi are more
recent crops of great interest. There is a developing
interest in growing plants for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
use. It is possible to grow practically any commercial
crops hydroponically.
Commercial growers have been producing superbly flavoured
hydroponic tomatoes for many years. Speciality crops and
even fruit trees can all be grown hydroponically.
We have recently learnt of a commercial hydroponic potato
business in the Southern Hemisphere !
We are seeing an increasing interest in the production
of cut herbs and salad crops, driven by the demand for
convenience foods that are also seen as ‘healthy’.
The production of cut flowers is itself a huge market,
the introduction of new more exotic plant types lends
itself to hydroponic production as a means of growing
the best quality from the outset and therefore making
it more difficult for cheaper lower quality crops to compete.
We expect, in time, to see an increase in demand for edible
flowers, especially for use in restaurants and hotel complexes.
Even fruit trees can be grown this way. In fact there
are very few plants that cannot be grown hydroponically,
the choice for a commercial operation is a pure economic
one.
We produce a number of separate data sheets relating to
various crop types and opportunities, this information
includes some basic plant growing information as well
as recommended or typical system types suitable for the
crop. Whilst it is not exhaustive it will give the reader
an idea of the potential for hydroponic crop production.
All commercial systems are active, in that some form
of pump or feeding device is used to deliver fresh nutrient
solution to the plants in an ongoing basis. These systems
are more productive and are therefore the only type
suitable for commercial production.
Of the active systems available they break down into
either re-circulating or run to waste; run to waste
systems are becoming less popular as environmental concerns
and legislation restricts, or even prohibits, nutrient
run off. However, if the run off can be managed to obtain
a zero figure, these systems still have their place.
As a company we encourage the use of re-circulating
systems to maximise resource utilisation, but this is
not always possible in certain circumstances. Re-circulating
systems typically use one tenth of the water, a fraction
of the minerals and takes up from one third to one tenth
the space consumed in traditional agriculture.
There are a number of differing active systems available,
but again these can be
easily categorised into:
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)
Ebb & Flow (also referred to as Flood & Drain)
Drip Fed Media Based Culture
Aeroponics
Raft Type Systems
Nutrient Film Technique
(NFT)
Nutrient Film Technique
(NFT) is both simple to understand, operate and maintain.
Plants are grown in equally spaced holes in plastic
gullys or formed plastic sheeting. A liquid nutrient
solution of minerals and highly oxygenated water is
pumped into the higher end of the gully, gravity draws
the nutrient past the plant roots and then back to the
nutrient tank, where the process is repeated.
As the nutrient solution flows past the plants the roots
are bathed in a thin nutrient rich film of solution
that is ideally balanced in terms of nutrition, oxygen,
pH and strength. As this is an enclosed re-circulating
active system it ensures maximum production combined
with resource conservation.
The absence of growing media in NFT systems reduces
costs but ensures the need to use high quality pumps
and calls for a reliable power supply to those pumps.
The plants will quickly wither and die if the system
is left ‘dry’ during the heat of the day.
Drip Fed Media Based Culture
Often called ‘slab culture’, this is most
popular form of commercial hydroponics in countries
such as Holland. The plants are grown in a medium, most
often Rockwool but more recently in CoCo Coir. However,
sawdust and sand have been used in some instances!
Slab Culture tends to be used for longer-term crops
such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers where a larger
root system develops. The advantage of slab culture
is that only intermittent feeding of the plants is required.
Also, the media itself tends to hold a large amount
of nutrients that are then available to the plants as
needed. Often run off is limited to a small percentage
to ensure adequate feeding, but excessive run off is
both expensive and environmentally undesirable. As in
‘Ebb & Flow’, the media can act as a
buffer in case of pump or electricity failure.
Ebb & FlowEbb & Flow (or Flood & Drain)
is a system where a tray or bed of plants are alternatively
flooded and then drained with the required nutrient
solution. The flooding of the media or plants acts to
purge the media of stale oxygen depleted air and then
draws in fresh oxygen rich air to the root-zone when
the system drains back into the nutrient tank.
This system is more suitable for longer-term crops such
as trees & cut flowers where larger root masses
are likely. Ebb & Flow systems always use some kind
of media that can act as a buffer in case of pumps or
electricity failure. Also, because the system is less
active than an NFT system the management of the nutrient
solution is often less onerous than
that of NFT.
Aeroponics
Aeroponics is a system where often no media is present
at all and the roots of the plants are misted with the
nutrient solution in a chamber or other suitable space.
The mist has to be of a certain size (5 micron max)
to maximise growth and the delivery of the mist is a
problem in its own right. Blockages can occur and high-pressure
pumps are often needed, this makes Aeroponics less suitable
for commercial production. However, we are aware of
Aeroponic systems being used for research and in some
‘niche’ applications.
The lack of any media in Aeroponics and the subsequent
lack of buffering can
be problematic, but Aeroponic is a fantastic system
when clean, fresh roots are needed!
Raft Type Systems
Raft Type Systems are those where the plant being cultivated
is ‘floated’ on top of the nutrient tank.
The roots dangle in the nutrient and take up feed as
needed. A large amount of water is generally needed
for such systems and the need to oxygenate the solution
is paramount. It would be easy to ‘drown’
the plants if the oxygenation system failed. Raft systems
are generally regarded as a bit outdated, but do have
their place in certain circumstances.
They are often cheap to construct and can be run without
the use of nutrient pumps as long as oxygen is supplied
to the system in suitable quantities.
Some concerns exist over the use of re-circulating
systems and the potential danger of spreading disease
throughout the system if it manifests itself. However,
in our experience this danger can be greatly reduced
and even eliminated through the use of nutrient sterilisation,
strict cleanliness regimes or beneficial bacteria being
used.
All of the system types discussed usually utilise automatic
dosing controllers to constantly monitor and maintain
the optimum nutrient strength and pH balance.
As a company, we can advise on all system types and
the suitability of that system to an individual case
.
Whatever system is most suitable for your operation,
we can supply it.
For any new grower we are happy to provide a small trial
system at a special price.
The cost of this system would be credited to the grower
should a full size system be purchased as a result of
the trial.
It is most important when considering the possibility
of growing hydroponically, whether on a small or large
scale, that you seek advice from a number of sources.
Talk to potential customers and fully research the business.
We will assist where ever possible. Carry out research
before you start and plan to start small! Each market,
each crop and every growing situation is different. It
will be necessary to gain an overall understanding of
the business and crop before any significant system expansion
takes place.
Don’t rely on a single source when obtaining information
on crop yields for a specific crop, check local as well
as national and government sources.
We recommend the grower starts off with a small trial
system, we can advise and assist with these too. A trial
system enables the grower to get the hang of the basics
of hydroponics. It is easy, but you have to learn how
to use it properly, how to get the correct balance of
nutrients for the correct flavour or colour and growth
of the plant and how to recognise problems as they arise.
Buy a good book. We sell several that are crop specific,
and do some reading.
If possible visit an existing commercial grower - we may
be able to help in providing contacts.
Ensure you perform adequate market research. Marketing
is customer not product focussed. If possible innovate
to continuously improve product benefits. Try to add value
as this will attract new customers for your produce and
ensure you keep existing ones.
There is much more to running a successful commercial
operation than just growing high quality produce. HydroGarden
can advise on various ways to market your produce and
how to add value and with more general marketing advice.
Growing hydroponically will give you the ability to time
harvests to match restricted availability for certain
crops, this aids in obtaining premium prices for the crop.
If necessary, we have the expertise in other business
topics such as finance, which may also assist.
By reading this brochure and by using the services offered,
you will save time, effort and money.
Please refer to our Commercial Price
List for the complete range of our products.
Not only can we provide the system, lighting and nutritional
requirements for your system, we also stock a large
range of other essential items such as:
growing media
propagating products
low and high pressure pipe fittings
nutrient pumps
growth promoting and flowering additives
pH testing, adjustment and calibration products
nutrient testing and calibration products
nutrient sterilisation products
aeration products
monitoring and dosing equipment
filters and filtration products
plant support accessories to aid optimum growth
books
and more....
It is important to remember that all components used
in a hydroponic system must be non-toxic and must not
react when exposed to the nutrient solution. This generally
means plastic or stainless steel materials.
As a company we would always recommend
that a new grower purchase a trial system in the first
instance. This will get you used to the techniques behind
hydroponic cultivation and get used to the control of
the nutrient strength and pH
.
HydroGarden Trial System Offer!
We are always happy to deduct the cost of this initial
trial system from the cost of any full size system should
you choose to purchase one. It all helps.
At Hydrogarden, we realise that a relationship
starts, not ends, with a purchase of a system. We are
able to assist from the business or system planning
stage, all the way through to on-going grower support.
We may even be able to help you buy or sell your business.
HydroGarden can assist you prior to starting growing
with:
Water Analysis
Crop Specific Nutrients
Location Specific Nutrients
Location and Natural Environmental Considerations
Crop Considerations as well as Yield Forecasts and Predictions
System Layout, Specification and Considerations
Environmental Control and Protective Structural Considerations
Production Factors and Operating Costs
Management and Grower Considerations
Additional Resources that may be required
Supplementary Lighting Layout (if necessary)
Equipment Supply
Business Planning
Marketing Advice
Once the system is operational, we can advise, or obtain
advice on:
Crop Specific Problems or Issues
Plant Tissue Analysis
Nutrient Analysis/Monitoring/Tissue Analysis and Nutrient
Adjustment and Replenishment
Equipment Supply or Upgrades
Latest Technical Information and Innovations
Equipment Supply
Marketing Advice
Energy Conservation and Renewable
Energy
We firmly support all initiatives to reduce unnecessary
energy consumption in the projects we are involved with.
Where possible we will assist in lowering a grower’s
dependence upon fossil fuels.
The use of energy efficient glass or plastic structures,
energy curtains, heat sinks, correct design, location
and layout, the correct use of ventilation and other initiatives
can all assist in making the project successful and sustainable.
The use of bio-fuels and other alternative sources of
power such as micro-turbines can all assist in making
the commercial hydroponics industry a viable, long term
one.
New Markets and Evolving Opportunities
Medicinal – Nutraceuticals – Cosmeceuticals
– Pharmaceuticals – Essential Oils –
Herbal Medicines - Healthy Food – Safe Food –
Farmers Markets – Localised Supply - Hydro-0rganics
- Utilisation of brown field sites - Urban Horticulture
Recent reports give reliable predictions that natural
based products will penetrate the synthetic pharmaceutical
markets by up to 30% over the next 3 years (from 2003).
Where will these plant-based products be sourced? Nutraceuticals
(foods that are beneficial to our health) are also expected
to maintain the growth seen over the past decade. A number
of these foods require plant-derived materials that are
often found in a plant’s root zone. The use of hydroponic
growing methods alone can ensure the clean, controlled
product that is required. Pharmaceutical companies also
need raw materials that are pesticide free, of high quality
and have been grown in a controlled method…sound
familiar? They have to be grown in controlled, clean environments
such as hydroponics can provide. It is unlikely that this
growth in demand will be met by ravaging the already delicate
eco-systems represented by rainforests and similar natural
resources.
In the USA it is common for high value foods to be grown
hydro-organically, that is using organic nutrients in
a hydroponic system.
The demand for more natural based products is unlikely
to diminish in the foreseeable future. Combine these factors
with the increasing interest in pesticide free, healthy,
vitamin rich foods and you can see why we are so excited
about the future prospects of our industry…
Over the past 9 years, HydroGarden has been actively involved
in the global Hydroponics industry and has gained a reputation
for the supply of quality products at affordable prices.
Our experience and expertise in the Hydroponics market
is unrivalled in Europe and we know that commercial hydroponic
systems are serious business. We have contacts with hydroponic
companies and commercial growers worldwide.
So if we do not know the answer we can find someone who
does!
As well as designing, supplying and maintaining systems,
HydroGarden staff and directors have hands on experience
of growing. This personal experience is something that
few, if any other, firms can claim. We know what it is
like when the insects attack or the varieties are wrong.
We have also felt the joy of growing the best quality
crops in the shortest possible time!
If you are considering entering into hydroponics on a
commercial basis, we invite you to talk to us. Not only
will you find our company friendly and efficient, our
range of quality products and backup is the best available
anywhere.
HydroGarden will talk with you about the system you need,
the returns you will require and the obstacles you may
encounter.
So, if you are after the right advice, equipment and system
design, call us today on +44 (0)24
7661 2888
or fax us on +44 (0)24 7661 5888
You can also email us or visit our web site
sales@hydrogarden.co.uk
www.hydrogarden.com
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